Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Firingi Kali Bari is a famous temple of goddess Kali established by Antony Firingi or Antony Kabiyal (who used to compose songs instantly and sing) at Bowbazar Street. Once upon a time this place was a burning ghat (shamshan). Lord Shiva was there in a small room made of sedge leaves  (হোগলা পাতা) in front of sub-stream (খাল) of river Ganges. Kabiyal Antony Firingi regularly attended the Shiva temple. One day, he established there idol of Siddheswari (সিদ্ধেশ্বরী) Kali. Antony appointed Srimanta Pandit as Purohit or priest of Ma Kali. The idol of Siddheswari Kali is very good looking here - the crown of Kali is made of silver, the idol is decorated with various ornaments, the third eye of Ma Kali is not so angry. Irrespective of castes and creeds all the people comes here and pray for their well-being to goddess Kali. A 'Kaath Champa' (কাঠ চাঁপা) tree is there just behind the temple and the lower portion (কাণ্ড) of the tree is looks like the ox of lord Shiva. Many devotees bi...

This year, the first Durga idol of Kumartuli is ready to set sail. The idol is 9 feet tall and 18 feet in width. The weight of the idol is about 350 kg. The background of the idol is black and decoration is in silver. Yellow colour is there in the foreground. The idol will be shipped in a few days and it will take 45 days to reach to Sydney of />        The artisan of this idol at Kumartuli said that last year they hardly despatched only eight idols due to prevailed pandemic situation. Otherwise, about 30-35 idols they use to despatch every year as order of foreign countries. This year they're hopeful to get more orders of Durga idol from UK, USA, Germany and />       As usual, the present idol is too made of fibre-glass. They sanitized the idol and the courier will fumigate it before shipping. They use to despatch idols in cargo planes, but, this idol is too heavy to despatch in planes. So, it is being shipped.